Team New Zealand have impressed in their first showdown on the water in Bermuda, beating America's Cup pace-setters Artemis in an official practice race on Saturday.
After launching their America's Cup Class (ACC) race boat in Bermuda last weekend, the Kiwi team were able to recommission the boat in time to take part in the final day of practice racing.
The Kiwi syndicate had a convincing win over Swedish team Artemis before toppling French team Groupama in their second match-up. The only blip on Team New Zealand's record was a loss to Team Japan, skippered by Dean Barker, in their race.
Tauranga's Peter Burling, who deposed Barker at the helm of Team NZ, said the crew were extremely happy with their first proper hit-out.
"We had a few little stuff-ups there, but Team Japan were sailing really well today and they beat Jimmy [Spithill] and the Oracle guys by quite a bit as well," Burling told Tony Veitch on Newstalk ZB.